countyscore
54.6
County Score
Disaster Risk 98Safety 97.5Water Quality 86

County Report Card

About Chattahoochee County, Georgia

Surpassing the national performance median

Chattahoochee County posts a composite score of 54.6, outperforming the national median of 50.0. This score puts the county in a competitive position relative to the rest of the United States.

A leader in the Peach State

The county’s 54.6 score comfortably exceeds the Georgia state average of 46.7. This performance establishes Chattahoochee as a regional standout for overall livability and stability.

Top-tier safety and low risk

The county excels with a near-perfect risk score of 98.0 and a safety score of 97.5, indicating a very secure environment. Additionally, a water score of 86.0 suggests excellent infrastructure and resource management.

Education and income hurdles

The primary areas for improvement are the school score of 25.3 and an income score of 36.5. Despite lower household incomes of $59,221, the exceptionally high safety ratings help balance the overall profile.

Ideal for security-conscious families

Chattahoochee is a premier choice for those prioritizing physical safety and environmental peace of mind over school rankings. It offers a secure, low-risk lifestyle that is increasingly rare in the modern landscape.

2040608010038.745.697.545.825.336.5988639.8Tax38.7Cost45.6Safety97.5Health45.8Schools25.3Income36.5Risk98Water86Weather39.854.6/100
This county
National avg
3 above average4 below average

Chattahoochee County DNA

Foverall

How Chattahoochee County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Chattahoochee County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Disaster Risk (98/100) but notably weak in Schools (25.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
38.7-13.299999999999997
Cost
45.6
Safety
97.5+42.5
Health
45.8
Schools
25.3-28.7
Income
36.5-14.5
Risk
98+51
Water
86+28
Weather
39.8-16.200000000000003
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Think property taxes are too high in Chattahoochee County?

Many homeowners in Chattahoochee County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$99,800

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,235/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$99,800/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$49,400/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum1.7x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $59,221/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

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Nearby counties

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29.4
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Marion County
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Stewart County
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Harris County
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Deep Dives

Chattahoochee County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Chattahoochee County

via TaxByCounty

Chattahoochee taxes high despite low values

Chattahoochee County's effective tax rate of 0.990% ranks in the 62nd percentile nationally, above the national median of 0.84%. Median homes are valued at just $99,800, pushing the median tax to only $988—a fraction of the national median tax of $2,690.

Above state average but with tiny homes

At 0.990%, Chattahoochee's effective rate exceeds Georgia's 0.898% state average, yet the median tax bill of $988 remains well below the state median of $1,529. This reflects the county's rural character and significantly lower property values compared to urban areas.

Higher rate, lower values than peers

Chattahoochee's 0.990% rate is notably higher than Chattooga County (0.855%) despite homes in Chattooga averaging slightly more at $98,700. Clay County shows a similar tax rate at 1.044%, though both counties struggle with assessed values well below state and national averages.

Under $1,000 for typical homeowner

A resident with Chattahoochee's median home value of $99,800 pays roughly $988 annually in property taxes. With mortgage-related factors, that expense rises to approximately $1,415 per year.

Challenge your assessment if rates jumped

Rural counties like Chattahoochee sometimes lag in updating property records, meaning some homes may be overassessed relative to recent sales data. Filing an appeal with the Chattahoochee County assessor's office is free and could reduce what you owe.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Chattahoochee County

via CostByCounty

Chattahoochee's rent hits national pain point

With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.0%, Chattahoochee County residents dedicate one-quarter of earnings to rent—well above the U.S. norm of roughly 21%. The median household income of $59,221 is notably lower than the national average of $74,755, making housing costs proportionally steeper.

Among Georgia's priciest rentals

Chattahoochee ranks among the state's least affordable counties with a 25.0% rent-to-income ratio, compared to Georgia's 18.6% average. At $1,235 monthly, median rent here runs $308 above the state average, straining household budgets in this Fort Benning–adjacent county.

Chattahoochee rental market vs. peers

Chattahoochee renters pay $1,235 per month—significantly more than nearby Chattooga ($789) and Clay ($578), but less than Chatham ($1,382). The median home value of just $99,800 offers relative bargains for buyers, the lowest in this regional comparison, reflecting limited homeownership demand.

A renter's burden, a buyer's opportunity

Renters spend 25% of income on housing while homeowners dedicate 13.1% to monthly costs, a stark gap. The $99,800 median home value creates affordable ownership pathways, though qualifying for mortgages remains challenging on median incomes of $59,221.

Chattahoochee works for home buyers only.

Renters face steep affordability challenges here; those seeking lower housing burdens should consider nearby Chattooga or Clay counties. Home buyers, however, find bargain valuations at $99,800 median, making Chattahoochee attractive for those planning to own rather than rent.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Chattahoochee County

via IncomeByCounty

Chattahoochee earns 21% below U.S. average

Chattahoochee County's median household income of $59,221 falls roughly $15,500 short of the national median of $74,755. The gap underscores economic challenges in rural southwestern Georgia, where household earnings lag the broader American economy.

Below Georgia's median, but improving

Chattahoochee's $59,221 median sits slightly below Georgia's state average of $60,488, placing it near the bottom third of Georgia counties. However, per capita income of $26,920 is notably lower than the state's $31,115 average, suggesting income concentration among fewer earners.

Lowest earner in the regional cluster

Among nearby counties, Chattahoochee ranks lowest, earning $10,354 less than neighboring Chatham County and trailing Chattooga County by $12,436. The disparity reflects Chattahoochee's smaller economic base compared to regional peers in central and coastal Georgia.

Rent pressure on modest incomes

A rent-to-income ratio of 25% means Chattahoochee renters spend one-quarter of earnings on housing, right at the stress threshold. With a median home value of just $99,800, homeownership is more affordable than renting, making it a potential wealth-building strategy for stable households.

Strategic homeownership as wealth builder

For Chattahoochee households earning $59,221, homebuying offers significant advantage: the median home price of $99,800 represents only 1.7 years of gross income, well below the 3-year threshold suggesting affordability. Even modest monthly savings can build down payment funds and begin building home equity.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Chattahoochee County

via CrimeByCounty

Chattahoochee Reports Unusually High Safety Score

Chattahoochee County reports a total crime rate of 0.0 per 100,000 residents, resulting in a perfect safety score of 100.0. This stands in sharp contrast to the national average crime rate of 2,385.5.

County Tops Georgia Safety Rankings

With no crimes reported in 2022, the county appears as the safest in Georgia, far exceeding the state average safety score of 97.8. This ranking comes from a single reporting agency and should be interpreted carefully.

Unique Profile Among Georgia Neighbors

The reported 0.0 crime rate is a significant outlier compared to the Georgia state average of 1,412.9 per 100,000 residents. This suggests a unique local reporting environment rather than an absolute absence of incident.

Zero Reported Violent or Property Crimes

Official data shows zero violent and property crimes for the current reporting year. While these numbers suggest total safety, residents should maintain typical safety precautions as the data reflects limited reporting sources.

Maintain Security Despite Zero Reports

Even in areas with no reported crime, basic home security is a smart investment for peace of mind. Installing simple alarm systems ensures property remains protected regardless of reporting fluctuations.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Chattahoochee County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Three-School District

Chattahoochee County operates a streamlined educational system consisting of just 3 total public schools. This small-scale infrastructure serves 970 students across one elementary, one middle, and one high school. This structure ensures every student remains within a single, cohesive local district.

Meeting National Graduation Benchmarks

The county maintains an 87.0% graduation rate, matching the national average though slightly trailing Georgia's 88.1% state mark. Spending is lean at $6,131 per pupil, which is approximately half the national average and lower than the state's typical investment. The resulting composite school score of 50.1 sits just above the national median.

One Unified Community District

The Chattahoochee County district manages the entire local student population without the presence of charter or alternative schools. The district provides a clear, linear path for students as they transition between the three grade-level centers. This simplicity creates a tight-knit educational community where administrators know their students well.

Rural Schools with Personal Scale

Every school in the county is classified as rural, offering a quiet and focused learning environment for the 323-student average population. Chattahoochee County High School is the largest campus with 474 students, while the Middle School is the smallest with 237. Attending school here feels personal and community-oriented due to the small enrollment numbers.

Rural Living with Direct School Access

For families seeking a simple, rural lifestyle, Chattahoochee County offers a predictable and intimate educational path. Homes in this area provide easy access to the central education campus where all three schools are located. Consider this county if you value a small-town feel where the school system is the heart of the community.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Chattahoochee County

via RiskByCounty

Chattahoochee enjoys remarkably low risk

Chattahoochee County's composite risk score of just 2.04 ranks it among the safest counties in the nation. Flood risk (4.99), wildfire risk (34.99), and earthquake risk (25.83) are all minimal, reflecting the county's inland location and stable geography. This exceptional safety profile contrasts sharply with the national average and even Georgia's own 39.49 state median.

Georgia's lowest-risk county

Chattahoochee's 2.04 composite score is Georgia's lowest by a wide margin, approximately 19 times safer than the state average of 39.49. The county consistently ranks in the bottom percentile for every major hazard category except hurricane (52.44), which remains geographically distant. This makes Chattahoochee an unusually secure location within the state.

Safest in a relatively calm region

Chattahoochee's 2.04 score dwarfs those of nearby counties like Clay (8.46), Clinch (20.74), and Chattooga (54.36), establishing it as the anchor of low-risk real estate. Even compared to its immediate neighbors, Chattahoochee stands out as exceptionally protected from natural hazards. This geographic advantage has long-term implications for insurance affordability and property stability.

Hurricane is the only meaningful hazard

While Chattahoochee's overall risk is minimal, hurricane risk (52.44) represents the county's only moderate exposure, though this reflects distant storm surge and wind rather than direct coastal impact. All other hazards score below 35, creating a genuinely low-hazard environment. Most residents face negligible tornado, flood, wildfire, and earthquake risk.

Minimal insurance burden for owners

Standard homeowners insurance at competitive rates provides adequate protection for Chattahoochee properties, given the county's minimal flood, wildfire, and seismic risk. Flood insurance is rarely necessary unless you own property in a mapped floodplain—check FEMA maps to be certain. The county's low-risk profile means you can focus insurance dollars on basic coverage rather than expensive specialized riders.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Chattahoochee County

via WaterByCounty

Perfect Compliance Record for Drinking Water

Chattahoochee County reports zero health violations over the last five years, earning a Grade A. This 0.0 violation rate far exceeds the state average of 152.5 per 100K residents.

Half of Assessed Water Bodies Impaired

The 2022 reporting cycle shows that 50.0% of the 16 assessed water bodies fail Clean Water Act standards. Top concerns include fish bioassessments, fecal coliform, and the presence of PCBs in fish tissue.

Targeted Monitoring at Key Local Sites

Two monitoring sites have captured 1,372 measurements over the past five years. Data collection focuses primarily on physical and nutrient characteristics to track watershed health.

Upatoi Creek Running Below Typical Levels

The gauge at Upatoi Creek near Columbus reports a discharge of 247 cfs, which is only 57% of its long-term mean. This suggests drier than normal conditions for the 342 square mile drainage area.

Caution Advised for Recreational Water Use

Because 50% of assessed waters are impaired by fecal coliform and PCBs, residents should exercise caution during recreation. Low streamflow at 57% of normal levels can further concentrate these pollutants.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Soil Quality in Chattahoochee County

via SoilByCounty

Piedmont Transitions and Soil Identity

Chattahoochee County lacks specific taxonomic and pH data in the current records. Most soil in this region tends to track toward the state pH average of 5.26, notably lower than the 6.5 national median.

Composition Awaiting Formal Mapping

Specific sand, silt, and clay ratios are not currently available for this area. Determining drainage and nutrient retention levels requires individual soil samples until more comprehensive data becomes available.

Fertility and Organic Matter Potential

Organic matter and water capacity metrics remain unlisted compared to the state's 1.83% organic matter average. Local growers should focus on building soil health to reach or exceed the national average of 2.0% organic matter.

Managing Runoff and Hydrology

Hydrologic group data is currently limited, making it difficult to predict soil behavior during heavy rains. Always perform a simple percolation test before planning a home garden or drainage system.

Gardening in Hardiness Zone 8b

The 8b hardiness zone allows for a wide variety of summer crops like melons and peppers. Start your local plot now to take advantage of the warm, extended growing season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Chattahoochee County

via LawnByCounty

A Typical Georgia Lawn Challenge

Chattahoochee County earns a lawn difficulty score of 36.0, placing it right in line with the Georgia state average of 35.8. Situated in Hardiness Zone 8b, the environment is tougher than the national median of 50.0 but manageable for prepared homeowners. Success here depends on balancing high heat with consistent moisture management.

Heavy Rains Meet Intense Summer Heat

Annual precipitation of 50.3 inches is nearly perfect for lawns, though it falls just short of the 51.3-inch state average. However, 80 extreme heat days each year put significant pressure on cool-season grasses, favoring warm-season varieties instead. Expect a demanding watering schedule during the peak of summer to keep roots from scorching.

Investigating Local Soil for Better Growth

Specific soil metrics like pH and clay content are currently unavailable, making local site assessments vital for success. Most lawns in this region require organic matter additions to improve water retention during the hot summer months. Without data-backed amendments, your grass may struggle to access the nutrients it needs to thrive.

Enduring Chronic Moisture Deficits

Drought is a major factor here, with 25 weeks of dry conditions recorded over the past year and 100% of the county currently in severe drought. Prioritize water conservation by raising your mower height to shade the soil and reduce evaporation. These measures are essential when the entire county is under significant environmental stress.

Choosing Rugged Warm-Season Grasses

Bermuda and Centipede grasses are excellent choices for the 8b hardiness zone and high heat levels of Chattahoochee County. Since specific frost dates are variable, monitor local soil temperatures to ensure they remain above 65 degrees before seeding. Focus on building a deep root system now to survive the inevitable summer dry spells.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Chattahoochee County's county score?
Chattahoochee County, Georgia has a composite county score of 54.6 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Chattahoochee County rank among counties in Georgia?
Chattahoochee County ranks #37 among all counties in Georgia on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Chattahoochee County, Georgia?
The median annual property tax in Chattahoochee County is $988, with an effective tax rate of 0.99%. This earns Chattahoochee County a tax score of 38.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Chattahoochee County?
The median household income in Chattahoochee County, Georgia is $59,221 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Chattahoochee County earns an income score of 36.5/100 on CountyScore.
Is Chattahoochee County, Georgia a good place to live?
Chattahoochee County scores 54.6/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #37 in Georgia. The best way to evaluate Chattahoochee County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Chattahoochee County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

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Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.